Nietes stakes longest reign; Donaire eyes big comeback

MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes puts his record for the longest reign on the line while Nonito Donaire Jr. stakes his reputation on the block as they vow to stop their respective opponents in Pinoy Pride 30 tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nietes, the longest-reigning Filipino boxing champion, will defend his WBO junior-flyweight crown against Gilberto “Parrita” Parra of Mexico while Donaire, a former multi-division world champion, launches his comeback bid against Brazilian William Prado in the night’s co-headliner at the Big Dome.

It’s the biggest boxing card in the country in recent years, one that features two great Filipino champions and the fast-rising Albert Pagara.

Nietes, in his favorite dark suit, said he has studied his opponent well, saying all he’s got is a big right hand.

The pride of the ALA Boxing Promotions vowed to go for the knockout and stretch his long unbeaten win streak dating back to 2004.

“I will do everything. I will go for the knockout,” said Nietes, who recently surpassed the record of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde.

“I want to win this one so I can move on and maybe go up to 112 pounds. I want to face the champions there,” he added.

Donaire is coming off a devastating sixth-round knockout loss to Jamaica’s Nicholas Walters last October in Carson City, California.

This is his comeback fight.

“This is an opportunity for me to come back. And to see if Nonito Donaire still has it,” said the 2012 Fighter of the Year.

“A couple of years ago I thought I was done. But people reinvent themselves. And I found the key to rise again. This will be an entertaining fight,” he said.

Parra, who hardly showed any emotion on stage, said he’s ready for Nietes. The other day he said Nietes’ reign will end soon.

“I came here to win. That’s my motivation,” said the Mexican with a ring record of 19 wins and only two defeats. He has 17 knockouts under his name.

Donaire’s opponent from Brazil, a country of great soccer players, is looking at the fight as a big opportunity.

“It’s a big fight. I hope the people will come out happy and fulfilled after the fight,” said Prado, a former Latino champion (22-4-1 with 15 knockouts).

“I know Donaire is a five-division world champion and I respect him. But I also came here to win,” he said.

Pagara, perhaps the most exciting Filipino boxer who has yet to win a world title, will face Mexico’s Rodolfo “Fofo” Hernandez for the IBF Intercontinental junior featherweight title.

Pagara is as sensational as his 22-0 record with 15 knockouts.

“I know boxing fans want to see knockouts. We will go for it,” he said.